The Catholic Church in Southern Africa joined in heartfelt thanksgiving on Sunday, August 3, 2025, as Archbishop Emeritus George Francis Daniel celebrated the 50th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

To honour the golden jubilee, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV issued a heartfelt message of appreciation from the Apostolic Palace, dated July 2025, during the Holy Year. Addressed directly to Archbishop Daniel, the Pope’s message reads:

“With hearts brimming with joy, we celebrate the golden jubilee of your episcopal ordination. We give thanks for the faithful and loving care you’ve shown in your pastoral ministry, nurturing the souls of the clergy and God’s people in Pretoria. Your dedicated service has greatly strengthened the Catholic community across Southern Africa, guiding all to follow the Good Shepherd. As we pray for your continued good health and abundant spiritual joy, we lovingly bestow upon you the Apostolic Blessing, granted with a generous heart from on high.”
Leo, Pope XIV

The Apostolic letter was formally presented to the 92-year-old Prelate by the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa, Archbishop Henryk Jagodzinski, during a farewell ceremony for Monsignor Dario Paviša held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria on July 31, 2025.

Born on April 23, 1933, George Francis Daniel was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Pretoria on December 19, 1964, at the age of 31. He was appointed Archbishop of Pretoria on April 28, 1975, and received episcopal ordination on August 3, 1975. Less than a year later, he was also appointed Bishop for the South African Military Ordinariate on March 26, 1976, serving both roles concurrently.

His episcopal leadership spanned over three decades until his retirement on November 24, 2008. The golden jubilee of his episcopate is not only a personal achievement but also a moment of shared celebration across the Church in Southern Africa. The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) and the faithful of Pretoria recall with gratitude his unwavering commitment to shepherding the flock entrusted to him.